School of Art, Art History & Design graphic design students won eight awards for outstanding creative work at the 2023 Creative Nebraska Awards Show.
They were among 13 total awards won by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students. The awards included students from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, with majors in advertising and public relations, emerging media arts, graphic design and journalism.
“The American Advertising Federation Awards provide an exceptional platform for showcasing the talents of our graphic design students to Nebraska's professional advertising and design community,” said Jen Landis, assistant professor of practice in graphic design in the School of Art, Art History & Design. “Winning these awards is a testament to the quality and creativity of our student's work.”
Hosted by the American Advertising Federation’s Nebraska Chapter, the awards show is an annual event that honors the “freshest, most original and most daring advertising work found in this state.” The awards, called ADDYs, are awarded in gold, silver and bronze, and recognize students for their outstanding creations.
“I am thrilled to see our students being recognized for their hard work and creative achievements and excited for the impact these awards will have on their future careers,” Landis said. “I am confident that their success at the American Advertising Federation Awards will inspire them to continue pushing the boundaries of design and to make meaningful contributions to the field.”
The awards show recognizes two divisions: practicing professionals and students. The student competition is intended to honor the creative spirit of advertising and recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising. Award entries are submitted in their appropriate categories to a university’s local chapter, where they’re scored by a panel of judges based on various dimensions of creativity.
The local awards are the first step in gaining entry to the national competition. Gold awards are automatically submitted to the district competition, and silver awards are eligible for the competition. District winners move on to the national competition.
Graphic design students won a total of 6 gold awards and two silver awards. Rachel Dempsey, a December 2022 graduate, won the Best in Show award for her “Ugh! My Tummy Hurts Again” magazine design.
The winners from the School of Art, Art History & Design are as follows:
• Emily Bray (Designer), senior, advertising and public relations and graphic design, Product or Service Sales Promotion: Packaging, “Cerveza de Chicas”
• Nina Campbell, sophomore, graphic design, Sales & Marketing: Packaging, “Studio Ghibli Happy Meal” Out Of Home & Ambient Media: Poster, “Magic Girl Poster”
• Rachel Dempsey, Dec. 2022 graduate, advertising and public relations and graphic design, Sales & Marketing: Magazine Design, “UGH! MY TUMMY HURTS AGAIN ZINE” (http://www.unldesign.com/2022-fall/rachel-dempsey/)
• Anna Dimig, senior, advertising and public relations and graphic design, Elements of Advertising: Illustration, “P.S. I Love You Postcards” Out of Home & Ambient Media: Single Occurrence or Installation, “P.S. I Love You” (http://www.unldesign.com/2022-fall/anna-dimig/)
• Madeleine May, Dec. 2022 graduate, graphic design, Sales &Marketing: Packaging, “Careers Board Game” (http://www.unldesign.com/2022-fall/madeleine-may/)
--with reporting by Kateri Hartman, University Communication and Marketing. Her full story with all UNL winners included is available at https://go.unl.edu/s08r.